Eiwa Tsūshin (English-Japanese Transmissions)

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Eiwa Tsūshin ["English-Japanese Transmissions"]

[Creator unidentified].

Asakusa, [Tōkyō]: Seyama Sakichi, Meiji 20 [1888].

A small copperplate-printed book of English words with diagrams, meanings, and pronunciations in Japanese. Because of the lack of visibility of the page numbers, it is difficult to determine if the work is complete. The first page, however, records the page number "乙 一", presumably meaning "second part, page one". The assortment of words (many misspelled) includes country names, medical terms, numbers, and plant names, and reveals the haphazard attribution of English words to Japanese concepts in the Meiji period. Highlights include "vermicelli" for noodles and "chessboarg" [sic] for shōgi board. A charming book featuring a fascinating array of words; also, unintentionally perhaps the first book to coin the term "Movember". 

One Western-style volume on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Original boards stained and soiled. Most leaves reinforced with printed (used) paper. Gutters cracked and binding shaken, reinforced with sewing to spine. Browning, wear, and a few minor marks internally. [20 unnumbered leaves]. 10 x 6.9 cm.

Eiwa Tsūshin (English-Japanese Transmissions)
Price: $280.00 (USD)